Accurate Powder – #4100 1LB

In the world of precision reloading, few powder manufacturers can match the reputation and legacy of Accurate Powder. Among their extensive lineup, the #4100 powder has long been a favorite of serious handloaders and competitive shooters seeking the ultimate in accuracy, consistency, and ballistic performance.

Powder Specifications

Accurate Powder #4100 is classified as a medium-burn rate extruded rifle powder with the following key characteristics:

• Powder Type: Extruded Smokeless
• Powder Class: Medium Rifle
• Prominent Cartridge Uses: .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum
• Burn Rate: Medium

Packaging:

• Package Size: 1 lb. (16 oz.)
• Container Type: Plastic Bottle

Chemical Composition:

• Propellant Base: Nitrocellulose
• Other Ingredients: Not publicly disclosed by manufacturer

Physical Properties:

• Grain Shape: Extruded, cylindrical
• Grain Size: Relatively uniform
• Bulk Density: Approximately 58 grains per cubic inch

Performance Characteristics:

• Muzzle Velocity: Dependent on specific cartridge and load, but designed for high-velocity applications
• Pressure Levels: Moderate to high
• Temperature Stability: Excellent

Reloading Considerations:

• Precision and Consistency: Exceptional, making it well-suited for accurate, high-performance handloads
• Metering Characteristics: Generally easy to measure and dispense accurately
• Barrel Heat and Fouling: Moderate, may require more frequent cleaning compared to slower powders

This medium burn rate positioning allows #4100 to excel in a wide variety of popular high-performance rifle cartridges, from the venerable .30-06 to the hard-hitting .300 Win Mag. Reloaders appreciate the powder’s ability to produce consistent, high-velocity loads with exceptional downrange performance.

Advantages of Accurate Powder #4100

Accuracy and Consistency

One of the primary strengths of #4100 is its exceptional accuracy and lot-to-lot consistency. The powder’s tight manufacturing tolerances, uniform grain size and shape, and stable pressure curves contribute to exceptionally tight groups and consistent muzzle velocities. This makes #4100 a favorite among competitive shooters, long-range hunters, and precision reloaders.

Ballistic Performance

In addition to its precision, #4100 also offers impressive ballistic capabilities. Its medium burn rate and high-energy output allow it to generate excellent velocities and downrange energy levels in a variety of high-performance rifle cartridges. This makes it a popular choice for hunting medium to large game at extended ranges, as well as for long-range target shooting disciplines.

Temperature Stability

Accurate Powder #4100 exhibits excellent temperature stability, maintaining consistent ballistic performance across a broad range of environmental conditions. This is a crucial factor for shooters and hunters who may encounter varying temperature extremes in the field or at the range, ensuring reliable and predictable performance.

Reloading Ease

Compared to some other precision rifle powders, #4100 is generally considered a relatively straightforward powder to work with during the reloading process. Its consistent extruded form and stable metering characteristics make it easy for reloaders to accurately measure and incorporate into their handload recipes.

Widespread Availability

As a well-established and popular powder among serious shooters, #4100 is widely available through a variety of retailers and distributors. This can be a significant advantage, especially during periods of high demand or supply chain disruptions when some specialty powders may be difficult to acquire.

Disadvantages of Accurate Powder #4100

Recoil Levels

One potential downside of #4100 is that its high-performance capabilities can translate to increased recoil levels, particularly in magnum and belted cartridges. Reloaders must exercise caution when developing loads, carefully monitoring pressure signs and recoil impulse to ensure safe and comfortable performance.

Barrel Heat and Fouling

Another consideration with #4100 is its tendency to generate more barrel heat and fouling compared to some slower-burning powders. This can be a factor for shooters engaging in rapid fire or sustained shooting, as the increased barrel temperatures and fouling may necessitate more frequent cleaning and maintenance.

Reloading Considerations

As with any precision rifle powder, there are several important reloading considerations to keep in mind when working with Accurate Powder #4100:

• Strictly adhere to published load data from reputable sources.
• Start at the minimum recommended charge weight and work up slowly.
• Use high-quality new or once-fired brass cases.
• Ensure precise case preparation, including uniform neck tension.
• Employ an accurate powder measure and trickler.
• Carefully seat bullets to the recommended overall cartridge length.
• Maintain consistent primer ignition across all rounds.

Thorough testing and development of specific loads for your firearms is essential to find the optimal performance and pressure levels with #4100.

Applications and Uses

Given its excellent balance of accuracy, consistency, and ballistic performance, Accurate Powder #4100 is a versatile powder suitable for a wide range of high-powered rifle applications, including:

• Big Game Hunting: .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum
• Long-Range Target Shooting: Benchrest, F-Class, Palma competition
• Long-Range Varmint Hunting: .223 Remington, .22-250 Remington
• Precision Rifle Competition: .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield

The powder’s medium burn rate and proven track record make it a top choice for reloaders and shooters who demand the ultimate in precision and downrange performance from their rifle cartridges.

Availability:

The 1 lb. package of Accurate #4100 powder is widely available through retail and online channels that cater to the reloading and shooting sports markets.

conclusion

In conclusion, Accurate Powder #4100 is a precision-engineered powder that delivers exceptional accuracy, consistency, and ballistic performance for serious rifle shooters and reloaders. While it may require some additional considerations regarding recoil and barrel heat, the rewards in terms of pinpoint accuracy and hard-hitting downrange power make it a standout choice for those seeking to maximize the potential of their high-performance rifle setups.